Capitalk Reporter/The Herald |  10 months ago | top

The rise in the number of new Covid-19 cases recorded in the last week is not an indication that Zimbabwe has entered a fifth wave of infection but is largely just the breakers from the increase in cases reported in South Africa.

Zimbabwean National Covid-19 response coordinator Dr. Agnes Mahomva said Zimbabwe remained on high alert while observing the trend in new infections and Zimbabweans were urged to get vaccinated, wear masks, practice social distancing and be careful in crowds.

The number of new daily infections in Zimbabwe edged up most days last week but moved down again at the weekend.

Dr. Mahomva said government and its partners had learnt lessons from the previous waves and is prepared for the eventuality of a fifth wave.

The fourth wave of infections hit Zimbabwe in November last year, driven by the Omicron variant, which was the fastest spreading variant of concern.

Zimbabwe’s proximity and interaction with South Africa increases the chances of a corresponding increase in cases should the surge continue.

With the winter season approaching, there is a possibility of an increase in COVID-19 cases. The current wave in SA has been driven by the sub-variants of the Omicron, BA.4, and BA.5.

Dr Mahomva added that cases of COVID-19 being reported in schools reflected the infection within communities.

The country recorded 56 new cases on Sunday, a drop from the 188 on Friday and the 165 cases reported on Thursday. The country has recorded 249,262 positive cases, with 242,500 recoveries and 5,483 deaths.